Monday Motivation for Moms – Discovering Your True Beauty Through God's Eyes by Sue Glashower
What does it mean to be beautiful?
Do you measure your beauty by the world's standards or by God's standards?
We are bombarded everyday by the world's view of beauty. Everywhere you look, you see pictures of women who appear to have it all.
The world's view of beauty is…
- a thin, perfect body
- beautiful, long hair
- designer clothes
- long legs
- perfect skin
- a curvy body
- a large chest
It's no wonder that we have a poor self-image and feel we don't measure up. How many of us really fit that description? If we compare ourselves to that list, we only end up feeling bad about ourselves. We think we are too fat, we have a big nose, our hair is too thin, or our legs are too short.
As a busy mom, there are days that I feel anything but beautiful. This was especially true when my children were very young. I would be lucky to get a shower in by noon some days, much less having my hair and make-up done. I was often tired from trying to keep up with caring for them. Many days I felt far from beautiful…at least by the world's standards.
God's view of beauty…
- a gentle spirit
- a quiet soul
- a loving heart
- a compassionate person
God says that outward beauty is fleeting. So why do we strive so hard for it? God looks at the inside. It must make him sad when we don't love ourselves.
He designed you, he knew you before you were born, and he has a purpose just for you. You are chosen, cherished, and are wonderfully made! You ARE beautiful!
Take a few minutes to listen to this song because YOU are beautiful:
"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quite spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT
"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b NIV
"I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14a NIV
Instead of comparing yourself with others and feeling unworthy, spend more time working on your spirit and the gifts that God created you with. God has carefully and thoughtfully made you exactly the way you are.
It doesn't mean that you can't spend any time on your outward appearance or that it is wrong to want to look nice. God made us that way as women and it is fine as long as we don't obsess over it and measure our self-worth by it. I also believe that it is our duty to care for our bodies physically so we can give our best to God and our families. True beauty does not fade with age like the world's description of beauty does. True beauty enhances as we age by spending time with God and learning to love ourselves.
Spend more time working to enhance your inner beauty and it will shine from within you. People will see that spirit of beauty in your smile and actions – that's God's beauty!
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Thank you for the gentle reminder. We are all beautiful in our own way! More importantly in His way. I believe our purpose and our presence are much more important than any "look"!
Absolutely! It is so hard not to compare ourselves and feel that we are lacking instead of embracing who God created us to be.
Oh I love this article Sue! So uplifting! Great eye-opener for parents to consider while raising their children! Thanks!
Yes, it is so important for parents help their children realize this!
I like that 'beauty does not fade with age'. This is so understated in a world of botox and reconstructive surgeries…
Great reminders for busy moms!
What a fantastic post! I think so many people get caught up on what society thinks is beautiful that they forget they have a beautiful inner beauty that is even more valuable. Thanks for the reminder. Have a wonderful day!
We are all beautiful and for sure..its on the inside. Thanks for sharing your wisdom
I completely agree, Sue. Our physical characteristics are superficial. What is on the inside and what He considers beautiful and created in each one of us should be our primary focus. Thank you for this reminder. I strive for His view of beauty everyday!
Oh this is so great! If we would see ourselves the way God sees us, we would feel so much lovelier for sure. My mom always told me "Pretty is as pretty does!" I think I was about 19 when I finally understood what that meant. Great post.
What a wonderful post and an awesome reminder of what true beauty is. Thank you Sue. I really love the scripture references.
beautiful reminders we are heartfelt and loving thank you!
Thanks for sharing! I LOVE this song from Mercy Me. Great reminder that we are always beautiful in the eyes of God and He knows what He's doing!!! Love your encouragement each day and look forward to it so much
Thank you Sue! I appreciate you too!
This is a wonderful reminder, Sue…we are all beautiful in our own way and it does not depend on the outer view but how we really are inside…lovely!
Yes, we are all beautiful in HIS eyes, Sue! Such a wonderful article and video. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I absolutely love this post! It truly is what our culture is missing in a large, large way.
It sure is!
Thank you for reaffirming this! To steal a cheesy quote from Beauty and the Beast (sorry, 2 daughters – we eat, live and breathe princesses here), "beauty lies within." What makes a woman beautiful is who she is – more from the inside than out. I love the scriptures you quoted also – great words of wisdom.
Love that – very true!
Thank you for reminding us Sue. Yes and I believe that our uniqueness is one reason why we are beautiful. Thank you, Sue!.
Great article Sue! It is easy to forget these things!